Hello, Cheesy Goodness: The Mac Factory, London

Looking for some of the best mac and cheese in London? If you brave the crowds of Oxford Street, and peek around the back of Debenhams…you might just find it.

Say hello to The Mac Factory. The popular Camden-based macaroni messiahs are branching out, with their latest pop-up smack bang in the middle of the city’s busiest shopping district.

*press invitation*

All the mac and cheese is made fresh daily, in front of your very eyes. Hovering in front of the counter with a rumbling belly and a Bignose & Beardy cider in hand, I watched as the mature cheddar and mozzarella folded together into a glorious, oozy melted mixture. Together with the macaroni, the delicious mix got spooned into vibrant pink containers, with toppings sprinkled all over.

There are six signature Mac Factory dishes to choose from, all with fun names inspired by their ingredients. The Hey Mac-Arena is a Mexican inspired pot of deliciousness, with beef chilli con carne, tortilla chips and spicy jalapenos. For something with a little less spice, the Mambo Italiano comes topped with pancetta, mushroom and garlic; and if you’re all about more heat, the Posh Spice pairs spicy chorizo with Harissa sauce and caramelised onion.

As well as the normal menu, The Mac Factory’s specials change regularly. At the Debenhams pop-up, you can get yourself a Lobster Boy, or a Factory Cheese Steak – which was my favourite out of everything I tried. The rich beer cheese sauce was an absolute winner, and the smoked short rib was tender and wonderfully cooked with a sweet BBQ glaze. The Parmesan and Thyme crumble gives the mac and cheese a gorgeous crunch – just like you’d expect from the all-American kind.

Prices range from £5.50 for a classic Nostalgic mac and cheese; to £10 for the Lobster Boy.

The Mac Factory at Debenhams pop-up runs until Christmas (hopefully longer!).And if you’re reading after that date, don’t worry – the Camden Mac Factory is still going strong! Either way, head on down, and experience some of the best mac and cheese in London for yourself!